Strange Universe

In this essay collection, a noted astronomer reveals the bizarre and astonishingly true scientific facts that determine the world around us. "Touches on a dizzying array of subjects, including UV rays, inert gases, fossils, meteorites, microwaves, rainbows . . . Like many a good teacher, Berman uses humor to entertain his audience and liven things up." — Los Angeles Times Bob Berman is motivated by a straightforward philosophy: everyone can understand science—and it's fun, too. Geared to the nonscientist, Berman's original essays in Strange Universe are filled with the trademark wit and cleverness that has earned him acclaim over many years for his columns in Astronomy and Discover magazines. He emphasizes curiosities of the natural world to which everyone can relate, and dishes on the little-known secrets about space and some of science's biggest blunders (including a very embarrassing moment from Buzz Aldrin's trip to the moon). Fascinating to anyone interested in the wonders of our world and the cosmos beyond, Strange Universe will make you smile and think. "Blessed not only with an amazing grasp of science, but also with the rare gift of making it understandable." — Cleveland Plain Dealer "Hugely informative and remarkably entertaining." — Booklist